Since April 2023, servers are produced in two versions (named Green and Blue). To load proper SD card image check chapter Downloading and installing the SD card image.
In this installer guide, we will explain the procedure of updating an SD card image in the Ampio server module M-SERV. The server update allows you to use the new functionalities of the Ampio system that are regularly developed and to gain access to upgrades in existing functionalities.
Before commencing the update process, it is imperative to create a backup of the server’s database. If you miss this step, you will have to configure the M-SERV module from scratch. In order to create a backup, launch the Ampio Smart Home Manager application and connect to your M-SERV. When the connection is successful, choose the “Save configuration to a file” option from the File menu and save the file on your hard drive. Once that is completed, you can safely begin updating the M-SERV server.
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
Updating the server requires you to unscrew the module’s casing and to eject the micro SD card.
The following steps must be carried out after the M-SERV module has been disconnected from power supply!
In order to open the server’s casing, remove the four screws on the bottom of the case, marked with arrows in the figure below.
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
As soon as the case is opened, disconnect the wireless LoRa module’s plug (if the server has one) to get better access to the inside of the M-SERV.
Locate the micro SD card (marked in the figure below) and remove it from its slot. In older modules in order to remove the card, you will have to press it in lightly first, so that the push push micro SD connector releases the card – the card will pop out on its own. Newer modules do not have the connector and you will remove the SD card by pulling it out delicately.
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
To properly choose which SD card image user needs, it is important to differ between Blue and Green versions.
These versions have different top PCB color inside the module. After opening up, for Blue version a module looks similar to this:
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
And for Green version:
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
After choosing server version, next step is to download proper image. For Blue version SD card image has suffix blue in name.
The next step is to download the newest version of the SD card image for the M-SERV server. Go to www.cloud.ampio.com, log in, select Installer from the top menu and then Downloads from the side menu. Then, open SD card images, select the latest version and save it on your local disk. The downloaded file will be zipped and needs to be unpacked to reveal the correct .img card image file.
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
The image has to be “burned” onto the micro SD card. It is not enough to copy the file over to the SD card - a special programme has to be used, because the SD card is read-only for the Linux system. We recommend the Etcher programme available at:
The ejected SD card should now be placed into a memory card reader. Connecting the reader to your computer’s USB slot will result in a new disk appearing on your computer (e.g. F:). You have to remember the letter, or check in “My computer” whether the letter really corresponds to the right disk/memory card.
If a problem occurs with the card and the system suggests formatting the card, please ignore it. It is caused by the fact that the card has Linux files saved on it, which are not visible to the Windows operating system.
In the Etcher programme, open the saved SD card image and select the proper disk letter under which the microSD appeared on your computer. Etcher normally selects the memory card reader automatically. but you should still double-check the correctness of the selected disk, because selecting the wrong letter can wipe your local disk files.
Once you are certain that everything is in order, click the “Flash” button and wait for the image to copy over to the SD card. This operation can take a couple of minutes.
Click to enlarge and open in a new tab.
As soon as copying is finished, remove the microSD card from the reader and put it back into the M-SERV module. Connect the 4-pin wireless Lora module plug (if applicable).
Screw the case back together, reconnect all connectors and at the end, connect the module’s power supply. Wait for the server to start properly, then open the Ampio Smart Home Manager and connect with the M-SERV module.
Restore the server’s database using the option File > Upload configuration from a file.
The updating process is now completed and your Ampio system is working according to its old configuration, bur with new functionalities and upgrades.